Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 8/7/2009

Question
I have come across a liberty penny with 13 stars around the liberty head and one cent the otherside. I just wondered how much it was roughly worth, you can clearly see all the wording on the coin, but is in used condition. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Damon Grist

Answer
Sounds like you have a U.S. "large" cemt/  There were several varieties in 1817 and also value depends greatly on condition.  Please don't do anything to try to improve condition, you will almost certainly worsen it, perhaps substantially.  Try going to www.ebay.com and doing a search for 1817 large cent or 1817 penny and see what comes up for sale.  While you won't get rich off a well circulated specimen, it also is likely (unless very beaten up) to be worth a worthwhile amount, Jim Lawniczak